This is the highest daily increase in cases in 10 weeks.
85 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland, as well as one further death.
There has now been a total of 26,027 confirmed cases, and 1,763 deaths in relation to Covid-19.
39% of today’s new cases are associated with close contacts of a confirmed case.
26 of the new cases are located in Kildare, 18 in Dublin, 11 in Clare, nine in Laois, seven in Limerick, four in Meath and the rest spread across a number of different counties.
68% of the new cases were found in people below 45 years of age.
Speaking on Thursday, acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn said: “Today’s figures demonstrate how quickly Covid-19 can re-emerge in our country.
“We are now at a crucial point in our response to Covid-19. Over the coming days it is vital that everyone continues to avoid large crowds, physically distance, wear face coverings where appropriate and wash hands regularly.”
This is the highest number of new cases in Ireland since 115 cases were recorded on 22 May.
Professor Phillip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said: “Over a two-day period, Ireland moved from a relatively stable epidemiology to a significant pattern connected to outbreaks. We now need to be really careful and adhere to public health advice so we do not further spread the virus.
“We must remain vigilant to the disease if we are to control it at this point.”
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